10 Trader Joe's Fall Items Worth Braving the Parking Lot For

Autumn is in the air, and it's finally on Trader Joe's shelves. Unlike warehouse clubs and your local grocery store, this retailer didn't start stocking seasonal merch until September. And while shoppers weren't thrilled about the delay, it's definitely worth the wait.

What new and returning fall faves can you snag right now? The answer varies by location. But savvy consumers know the best Trader Joe's hacks for finding these fresh arrivals.

From scouring social media to searching your nearest store, you could turn up a bounty of buys that are well worth braving the parking lot pandemonium. Of course, if you'd rather sit and scroll, here are 10 autumn obsessions that are available in most areas.

Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.

Price: $3.99

Someone needs to give Trader Joe's a big pat on the back or a foodie award for turning their adored oat bites into this perfect pumpkin pick. The mouthwatering morsels are subtly sweet, majorly moist, and almost unbelievably hearty. Not sold yet? Just imagine the breakfast version of a pumpkin tart.

We give this autumn item a 10/10 (scratch that, an 11/10) for its fabulous fall flavor and surprisingly smooth texture. But that's not all. Bonus points go to the retailer for creating an individually wrapped single snack that eats like an entire meal. One will keep you going all morning long.

Price: $5.49

Chocolate fans will get a kick out of this fall take on the winter holiday favorite. You don't have to wait until December to buy bark. Trader Joe's revamped the classic Christmas-time confection, turning it into a pumpkin-packed pick.

This fall find features a pumpkin pie-spiced white chocolate base, gingersnap cookie crumbles, pretzel pieces, a pinch of sea salt, and a decadent dark chocolate drizzle.

Of course, unlike other stores, Trader Joe's carries more than just peppermint and pumpkin bark. And while we're already obsessed with this autumn item, you can also nab Dark Chocolate Bark with Pistachios, Dried Jalapenos, and Sea Salt, Dark Chocolate Bark with Puffed Quinoa and Dried Raspberries, or Dark Chocolate Bark with Almonds, Pretzels, and Sea Salt.

Price: $2.99

Trader Joe's version of the classic cream-filled sandwich cookie is back with a pumpkin twist. This returning product is a fan favorite that the store's loyal shoppers eagerly snap up every year. Hint: Enjoy the sweet snacks straight from the box, crumble them over Pumpkin Ice Cream, or layer them into an autumn-inspired Greek yogurt parfait.

Even though we can't get enough of this traditional treat, Trader Joe's ups the ante on Pumpkin Flavored Joe-Joe's with an even more indulgent option. You can also snag a 9.4-ounce box of the limited-edition cookies ($4.49), drenched in a pumpkin-spiced, yogurt-flavored coating.

Price: $3.29

Fall flavors are everywhere this year. That means you won't just find pumpkin products in the dessert aisles. We spotted this returning autumn item with the rest of Trader Joe's refrigerated pasta.

The potato and pumpkin gnocchi is a play on the traditional pasta pillows. Don't let the added ingredient trick you into thinking this tastes like a PSL. Instead of overpowering your palate with pumpkin, this pick has a subtly sweet flavor shoppers savor.

Not sure what to do with this returning seasonal selection? Take it from Redditor squishlil32, "I would highly recommend the pumpkin gnocchi with autumnal harvest pasta sauce! I also added some pieces of rotisserie chicken. Like genuinely one of the most delicious meals I've ever had and it feels so fall!"

Price: $4.79

Classic lasagna just got a fall redo. This freezer-section find is a returning autumn item you need to snap up ASAP. The egg pasta, Italian cheese, and butternut squash bechamel sauce blend is a decadently delicious combo. But that's not all. This limited-time buy also includes crispy breadcrumbs, chives, and a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds.

Don't worry about wasting your day in the kitchen. Heat this pasta pick for 45 minutes in a 400-degree Fahrenheit oven or microwave it for about five minutes.

What do shoppers think? Reddit user Dancing_Qween raved, "This lasagna knocks it out of the park."

Price: $5.99

Are you obsessed with apple crisps? The autumn dessert just got a major makeover, and now you don't need a fork to eat the treat.

Trader Joe's take on the fall favorite turned the traditional crisp into an indulgently sweet, apple-cinnamon-flavored milk chocolate caramel confection. If you're looking for that crunchy crust, this candy has a streusel-like layer that gives it the perfect texture.

How much can you save on this limited-edition fall item? Score a 5.29-ounce box for $5.99 right now. In comparison, Walmart sells a 4.1-ounce bag of Ghirardelli's Milk Chocolate Caramel Apple Jack O'Lantens for $6.78.

Price: $3.49

Indulge your sweet tooth and snap up this dreamy dairy dessert. The rich, creamy flan features the classic custard base you expect, but with a punch of pumpkin.

No time to make an after-dinner treat? Simply peel back the top, turn the individual cups over onto a plate, and serve. It's that easy.

While shoppers haven't flooded social media with posts about this new autumn item, Trader Joe's fans are impressed with the brand's classic caramel flan. Redditor Remarakable-Race9307 raved, "I just devoured one, and it is just so delicious! It reminds me of the Filipino version but is less sweet, and the texture is just perfectly firm yet so soft and creamy!"

Price: $4.99

Yes, we know that pumpkin is absolutely everywhere. But you might not expect to find it in this product. Forget about a plain PSL or other autumn options that have been around for years. Now you can get the fall flavor you savor in a soft sourdough loaf.

This bargain buy is anything but a basic bread. The slices are thick, pumpkiny, and perfect for seasonal sammies.

What can you do with this limited-time bakery buy? The uses are almost endless. But here are our favorite ideas: Smother a slice with Trader Joe's Pumpkin Butter ($2.99 for 10 ounces) or layer on a scoop of savory chicken salad.

Price: $4.49

We spotted the returning fan favorite in the pasta aisle. This pick is undeniably rich and creamy, making it the perfect addition to a cozy fall meal.

While it still has the tomato base you expect, this sauce also features a blend of butternut squash, carrots, pumpkin, and herbs. We suggest pairing the fall item with Trader Joe's Organic Fall Leaf-Shaped Italian Pasta ($2.49) or Trader Joe's Honey-Roasted Pumpkin Ravioli ($3.99).

If you're not in the mood for a pasta meal, spoon the sauce onto a homemade pizza (use either Trader Joe's $3.99 ready-to-heat Pizza Crust or the store's $1.69 refrigerated plain dough).

Price: $2.99

Maybe it's the subtly sweet maple flavor, or maybe it's the almost salty sanp. Whatever it is, this seasonal popcorn is definitely worth a trip to the store.

If you're new to this fall find, just imagine what would happen if carnival-style kettle corn got an autumn glowup. Trader Joe's shopper caitlynhow posted on the store's subreddit, "The maple Kettle Popcorn is a 10/10…I need more!"

One note of caution: This bag might not last long. That is, if you don't have the self-control to stop at a handful or two. Another Trader Joe's Redditor added, "I can't let myself be around that product, lol."

Honestly, we could have added dozens of other items to our list of can't-miss fall finds. This is one of the best times of the year to nab limited-edition flavors, and Trader Joe's lineup of sweet and savory selections just keeps coming. Expect new and returning fan-favorites to hit your store through the end of sweater season.

Autumn items aren't the only bargains we spotted. If you're searching for a way to tackle high grocery costs while saving time, you don't have to sacrifice quality for convenience. Hint: Check out the meal deals in Trader Joe's freezer aisle. The retailer regularly stocks ready-to-heat-and-eat buys that rival restaurant fare.